Apparatus, which is insertable into an ear canal, for detecting physiological parameters

The ear canal apparatus addresses the challenges of sensor positioning and cost-effectiveness by integrating sensor openings directly into the tube's distal end for optimal contact and eliminating miniaturized connectors, ensuring reliable parameter measurement and sound transmission with reduced costs and improved durability.

US12257076B2Active Publication Date: 2025-03-25COSINUSS
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Patent Information

Application Number
US17/604413
Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Patents(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-04-16
Filing Date
2020-04-16
Publication Date
2025-03-25
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ear canal apparatuses for recording physiological parameters face challenges in achieving optimal sensor positioning, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to the need for miniaturized electrical connections that are costly and difficult to protect from moisture.

Method used

The apparatus features a tube with integrated or detachably connected housing, including sensor openings at the distal end for direct contact with the ear canal wall, eliminating the need for miniaturized connectors and allowing for easy cleaning and reuse, while also incorporating a sound outlet opening for transmitting sound waves.

Benefits of technology

This design enables reliable, precise measurement of physiological parameters with reduced manufacturing costs and improved durability, allowing for multiple uses without the need for complex electrical connections, while maintaining effective signal detection and sound transmission.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for recording physiological parameters, which can be inserted in an ear canal. The apparatus is designed with a tube, which is to be introduced into the ear canal, and a housing, which is connected to the tube. The tube comprises a largely cylindrical portion at a distal end that faces toward the eardrum when being worn. At least one sensor device for recording physiological parameters is integrated in the housing. The largely cylindrical portion is designed with at least one sensor opening for at least one sensor component for recording physiological parameters. The at least one sensor opening is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis LA of the largely cylindrical portion by a distance lsensoropening. A receiver device for outputting sound signals may also be integrated in the apparatus, so that the apparatus is suitable for applying sound to the eardrum. The invention further relates to an ear adapter for detachable attachment to the largely cylindrical portion of the tube of the apparatus, wherein the ear adapter is attached thereto in such a way that the at least one sensor opening comes to lie in close proximity to an inner surface of the ear canal or comes into contact therewith.
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